Aa
If this is OVC, how fast does it spread?
Dian, it sounds like you got your care on the fast track, and kudos to you for taking charge of your health care. I agree, we all must be proactive in order to get the care that we deserve. I am very worried about my upcoming diagnosis because of the time frame. I have been feeling ill for quite a while. Last March I found that my ex bf had been cheating on me with several other women. I immediately went to my primary care doc, who did a full pap and blood work. She said the pap came back abnormal with pre-cancerous cells. I immediately made an appointment with my ob/gyn who did another pap and said it was fine; that I had HPV, a silent STD that many women carry and don't know it. I don't know if my ex gave it to me or not, and didn't have any symptoms. He said not to worry, but to get a pap every 6 months instead of yearly (as I could be more prone to cervical cancer). Well, 3 months ago I started having upper left abdominal pain and went to the doc and ER several times, with the eventual diagnosis that I had torn cartiledge between my breast bone and ribs. They said it would take several months to heal since I have a very physical job and couldn't rest like they wanted me to. I continued to have the pain, started bloating, gained 30 lbs almost IMMEDIATELY,had bad leg pain, constant back spasms and irregular bowels. Each time I went to the doc they did blood work, CT's, US and said I was fine. No one suspected anything gyn related. I missed my 6 month check by 4 months because I moved during that time and almost lost my mom just before Christmas. In the meantime I became more and more tired and then missed my period. This past Monday I went to the ER with severe lower abdominal pain and that's when they found the cysts. I followed up with my PCP who also noticed wheezing in my chest. (I have smoked for 4 years, maybe 10 cigarettes a day, although now I am too nauseous to smoke). I am so worried that I delayed the pelvic exam and may have had OVC all along, with it possibly spreading to my lungs. Does it spread that fast? And since OVC is called the "silent killer" I am especially worried since I didn't have a vaginal US done last March either. I didn't even know that was an option for me. (I also took Clomid, a fertility drug for 7 months about 23 years ago). Wouldn't any of the bloodwork they took have shown anything? They took chest ex-rays too and all came back normal. I just learned about the CA-125 test (from this site, Thank GOD!) and expect the results any day. My ob/gyn is usually really on top of things and I hope he schedules me for surgery right away if my tests come back with negative results. Have any of you experienced upper left abdomen pain, right under the breast that radiates "tingles" into your back? How about the other symptoms? Today (again) I am cramping bad along with a huge headache and am bleeding quite heavily (the flow is irregular so I don't know if it's my period). I wish I had an answer for you regarding wait time for surgery but I have the same question as well! I will remain adamant for answers with the docs until I get answers too. I am just scared that I dropped the ball with my own health care, and allowed a terminal disease to sneak in when I least expected it. I have been so worried about losing my mom, and now am petrified that she could lose her daughter instead. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. xoxoxo from Arizona (P.S. My friends and family think I'm just being paranoid and tell me not to worry, but that's hard to do...)
can anywone give me some advice!! I'm going crazy!!!!
I have had "functioning"cysts on my ovaries for over a year. Now the last ultrasound said "complex septated cyst" 3.5cm. I had an MRI of the pelvis today. I had a lumpectecy 3 wks ago!!!! path said "atypia" . I feel bloated and have this heavy feeling in my abdomen. Does anyone else have these symptoms??? My CA 125 was 11, not elevated. Does anyone have any info on ovarian cancer???
I have had "functioning"cysts on my ovaries for over a year. Now the last ultrasound said "complex septated cyst" 3.5cm. I had an MRI of the pelvis today. I had a lumpectecy 3 wks ago!!!! path said "atypia" . I feel bloated and have this heavy feeling in my abdomen. Does anyone else have these symptoms??? My CA 125 was 11, not elevated. Does anyone have any info on ovarian cancer???
Well, when I corresponded with my doctor last month, she was not concerned and felt that we should just monitor these cysts. I also have the knowledge that she had it 100% correct last time. My symptoms are very slight, so other than the fact that not knowing is drivng my crazy (I am a Type A, Aggressive/Aggressive personality type!), I am doing OK. Usually.
I think everyone's general diagnosis is that I probably have endometriosis. As a matter of fact, that is what my gyn originally thought and then the cyst was found and then 2 were found, and on and on. I do know that bcps are not an option and progesterone is probably not an option(I took Micronor after having my 2nd child and had non stop periods).
Enough about me, are your doctors concerned at this point or are riding the wave of not knowing? I am sure its reliving all your fears from before. Keep us posted and thanks again for you replies.
Enough about me, are your doctors concerned at this point or are riding the wave of not knowing? I am sure its reliving all your fears from before. Keep us posted and thanks again for you replies.
No, you are not driving me crazy. In fact, all this chat with other women is keeping me sane and level-headed at the moment; otherwise I would spend my time poking and prodding my abdomen, worrying about what is wrong with me now!
The ovaries, or more specifically the hormone production by the ovaries, do affect the menstrual flow. I can give you an example. One symptom of endometriosis is heavy menstrual flow; anther is having periods of long duration. Some women suffer from one or the other symptom; some poor women have both. Endometriosis, while not fully understood by the medical practitioners, is believed to be activated and worsened by high levels of estrogen. Thus the common prescription of bcp's or of progesterone medication for women with endometriosis. Likewise, the mid-cycle spotting that some perimenopausal women experience is most likely due to the imbalance between estrogen and progesterone at that time of a woman's cycles.
That was the reason that I asked you some time ago if both your cysts ruptured at the same time. I wondered if some change had occured that prompted your ovaries to have a normal (or perhaps abnormal) hormone production that then caused your cysts to resolve as they should have done so when everything 'down there is behaving and things are running smoothly', so to speak.
The ovaries, or more specifically the hormone production by the ovaries, do affect the menstrual flow. I can give you an example. One symptom of endometriosis is heavy menstrual flow; anther is having periods of long duration. Some women suffer from one or the other symptom; some poor women have both. Endometriosis, while not fully understood by the medical practitioners, is believed to be activated and worsened by high levels of estrogen. Thus the common prescription of bcp's or of progesterone medication for women with endometriosis. Likewise, the mid-cycle spotting that some perimenopausal women experience is most likely due to the imbalance between estrogen and progesterone at that time of a woman's cycles.
That was the reason that I asked you some time ago if both your cysts ruptured at the same time. I wondered if some change had occured that prompted your ovaries to have a normal (or perhaps abnormal) hormone production that then caused your cysts to resolve as they should have done so when everything 'down there is behaving and things are running smoothly', so to speak.
Gina
My mother is a 10 year breast cancer survivor, but is currently going thru tests for colon ca. My grandad died from colon ca as well as his dad and his mother had both breasts removed and died of rectal hemorrhage(of course that was so many years ago that it is hard to tell what the diagnosis would have been). After reading my mother's mammogram and knowing some history with her, a radiologist I work with has suggested me getting tested for BRCA-I gene because breast, colon and ovarian are linked. I have almost dismissed the idea that I have any major ovarian issue but then something somes up that looks similar to my situation and my mind goes crazy. I was just curious about your situation. Thank you for replying!
My u/s shows my cysts gone which is perplexing to the doctor because both were complex. The right could have been functional(because we saw it only on one u/s) the left on the other hand is the biggest issue because it was identified on three seperate u/s at three different times of my cycle along with a solid area. My periods have never been abnormal until now. While I know your ovaries kind of control periods, I did not think they had anything to do with flow. I thought that was a uterine issue. My problem is heavy flow lasting close to 2 weeks versus 4-5 days s I have had all my life. This is new and I am trying get some sort of idea of whether or not to let it go and not worry or stay on top of the game. The cul de sac fluid has increased acoording to the one done thursday. I am probably driving you all crazy and I truly do not mean to but this quite frustrating. My doctor is not sure where to go to from this point. Thank you for your response!!
Gina,
I read your post and it sparked some questions about myself. The symptoms you had pre-diagnosis are identical to mine. While I know that lots of things can produce the symptoms I am having, I would like your input as well. My cysts (5.5 and 7.7) have ruptured, leaked, something; well all the fluid is laying in my cul de sac. You wrote about your periods lasting longer. In October, I had a 31 day period, none Nov, Dec was 8 days, and I have now been on Jan for 10 days and still counting. My periods have always been like clockwork until July and thats when I finally went ot the doctor over the pain I had been experiencing. They have become much heavier, they seem to come earlier(Iwas 28 days-you could use my cycle as a calender), and they are exceeding the 5 days I used to have by double. Are messed up periods also a sign of ovca? And do you think ovca cysts could rupture and be totally forgotten by my doctor? My gyn is aware of the rupture bcause he could not believe it when I saw him and had me have another u/s. I go back to discuss options on the 23rd. I appreciate any insight that you can give me-it helps to hear other stories.
I read your post and it sparked some questions about myself. The symptoms you had pre-diagnosis are identical to mine. While I know that lots of things can produce the symptoms I am having, I would like your input as well. My cysts (5.5 and 7.7) have ruptured, leaked, something; well all the fluid is laying in my cul de sac. You wrote about your periods lasting longer. In October, I had a 31 day period, none Nov, Dec was 8 days, and I have now been on Jan for 10 days and still counting. My periods have always been like clockwork until July and thats when I finally went ot the doctor over the pain I had been experiencing. They have become much heavier, they seem to come earlier(Iwas 28 days-you could use my cycle as a calender), and they are exceeding the 5 days I used to have by double. Are messed up periods also a sign of ovca? And do you think ovca cysts could rupture and be totally forgotten by my doctor? My gyn is aware of the rupture bcause he could not believe it when I saw him and had me have another u/s. I go back to discuss options on the 23rd. I appreciate any insight that you can give me-it helps to hear other stories.
Hello All, I just called Mayo Clinic and it appears that they are not contracted with my employer's BCBS insurance. I called BCBS but they are closed for the holiday today. I'll try again tomorrow but I wanted to give you Arizona's Mayo Clinic's website info. It is:
http://www.mayoclinic.org/ovarian-cancer/scttreatment.html
I'm gonna go call my PCP on my bloodwork now. Bad day. xoxo from Arizona
http://www.mayoclinic.org/ovarian-cancer/scttreatment.html
I'm gonna go call my PCP on my bloodwork now. Bad day. xoxo from Arizona
Hi xrayu2 - Sorry you are having to go through all this stress and worry. I know you had some questions about my experience as compared to the symptoms you are currently having. Since my mid-30s I'd had a problem with ovarian cysts - usually a couple of them would rupture over the course of each year. My ob/gyn put me on a low dose birth control pill (I had already had a tubal ligation) to see if it would help the situation but it didn't seem to do much. I became accustomed to the occasional pain I would feel in my side and just dismissed it as being another cyst that burst and wouldn't go see my ob/gyn. I was always a work-a-holic and didn't take good care of me - bad decision on my part!
My periods were actually very regular, so much that I could almost set my watch by them! I had mentioned in the earlier post that I did have an extended period in August 2002 that lasted the entire month. That was the only abnormal one other than one breakthrough bleeding that lasted a week in Nov 2001. It seems like you have really been experiencing a lot of irregular periods over the past few months. My ob/gyn just attributed mine as being due to perimenopause.
One thing that I had not mentioned is the fact that I have a family history of cancer. My mother was an 18 year breast cancer survivor and I have recently found out that my 1st cousin also has ovarian cancer. They say that hind sight is 20/20. I wish that I had done genetic testing to determine if I was at greater risk. I would have gladly had a hysterectomy, mastectomy or anything done to avoid having to go through this now.
The most important thing for you now is to be persistent with your doctor. Make certain that he gets to the bottom of this - you know your body better than anyone. Let us know the options your doctor proposes on the 23rd.
Take care - I'll be praying for you! Gina
My periods were actually very regular, so much that I could almost set my watch by them! I had mentioned in the earlier post that I did have an extended period in August 2002 that lasted the entire month. That was the only abnormal one other than one breakthrough bleeding that lasted a week in Nov 2001. It seems like you have really been experiencing a lot of irregular periods over the past few months. My ob/gyn just attributed mine as being due to perimenopause.
One thing that I had not mentioned is the fact that I have a family history of cancer. My mother was an 18 year breast cancer survivor and I have recently found out that my 1st cousin also has ovarian cancer. They say that hind sight is 20/20. I wish that I had done genetic testing to determine if I was at greater risk. I would have gladly had a hysterectomy, mastectomy or anything done to avoid having to go through this now.
The most important thing for you now is to be persistent with your doctor. Make certain that he gets to the bottom of this - you know your body better than anyone. Let us know the options your doctor proposes on the 23rd.
Take care - I'll be praying for you! Gina
Any disease affecting the ovaries can cause an 'irregular' cycle, not just ovca. So, a functional cyst that has not resolved can affect your monthly cycle.
HI! I just want to make a comment to yu regarding the CA-125. I just had an appointment at the Cleveland Clinic this past Thursday regarding increasing ca125 and I was suppose to have a TAH this past Monday. Dr. at CC advised me that he DOES NOT do ca125 on pre-menopausal women because it is a very UNRELIABLE test. Please beware of this and dont rely to heavily on this test. I will be watching for your posts. Please keep us informed and GOOD LUCK!
Hi azpowergirl - I know you had directed your questions for Dian, but I also wanted to share my experience with you too. I hope you don't mind.
February 2002 I had my annual check-up with my ob/gyn, pap smear was normal and physical exam ok. In May I started having gastric problems and noticed that I was gaining weight in my abdomen. I went to my primary care doctor and was told I probably had an acid reflux problem or IBS and was put on Nexium. It seemed to help, so I just stuck with it since I was told it might take a few weeks to receive full benefit from the medication.
Toward the end of July I started having back pain and some pretty intense abdominal pain on my left side. My periods had always been regular, with the exception of August, which lasted all month long. I had a history of ovarian cysts, so I thought it might have been one that ruptured again. Mid August, I went to my ob/gyn and he ordered an ultrasound. The ultrasound showed that I had a cyst on my left ovary about the size of a lemon and also a rather large uterine fibroid. We scheduled surgery and he ordered my pre-op blood tests. As part of the blood tests, he also ordered a CA125 - just to see if we might possibly be dealing with ovarian cancer. Well, my CA125 did come back elevated. CA125 is not completely reliable for diagnosis because there are so many factors that can affect it. Anyway, to be on the safe side, my ob/gyn referred me to a gyn/onc for surgery. He said my best chance was to have the gyn/onc perform the surgery and if it happened to be cancer, then the gyn/onc could do an optimal debulking and remove all visible signs of cancer. And if it happened not to be cancer, praise God!
Unfortunately, I was not able to have surgery until September, due to other issues. Well, it ended up that I had Stage IIIc ovarian cancer, and by the time I had surgery, the mass had grown to be the size of a grapefruit. So it had gone undetected when I had my check-up in February and grown to the size of a grapefruit within 7 months. So there I was at 46 years old, married, with 2 sons and had ovarian cancer - I was sure glad to get all of it out of me and ready to do whatever I needed to do!
Anyway, I went through chemo until March 2003. After that I was cancer free until Nov 2004, when it was detected in one tiny paraaortic lymph node. Had surgery to remove it and thank God it was confined to that area only! Have been on chemo again for a little over a year and am doing well!
I know that you are so very worried, and feel that you may have neglected your own health. I can relate - I delayed my surgery because of my Mom's health. The main thing you have to do now is put yourself first and get to the bottom of all your symptoms. Be persistent with your doctor - looks like you should have some test results by the end of this week, right?
Stay strong - I've been keeping you in my thoughts and prayers! Let us know the outcome of your tests. Take care --- Gina
February 2002 I had my annual check-up with my ob/gyn, pap smear was normal and physical exam ok. In May I started having gastric problems and noticed that I was gaining weight in my abdomen. I went to my primary care doctor and was told I probably had an acid reflux problem or IBS and was put on Nexium. It seemed to help, so I just stuck with it since I was told it might take a few weeks to receive full benefit from the medication.
Toward the end of July I started having back pain and some pretty intense abdominal pain on my left side. My periods had always been regular, with the exception of August, which lasted all month long. I had a history of ovarian cysts, so I thought it might have been one that ruptured again. Mid August, I went to my ob/gyn and he ordered an ultrasound. The ultrasound showed that I had a cyst on my left ovary about the size of a lemon and also a rather large uterine fibroid. We scheduled surgery and he ordered my pre-op blood tests. As part of the blood tests, he also ordered a CA125 - just to see if we might possibly be dealing with ovarian cancer. Well, my CA125 did come back elevated. CA125 is not completely reliable for diagnosis because there are so many factors that can affect it. Anyway, to be on the safe side, my ob/gyn referred me to a gyn/onc for surgery. He said my best chance was to have the gyn/onc perform the surgery and if it happened to be cancer, then the gyn/onc could do an optimal debulking and remove all visible signs of cancer. And if it happened not to be cancer, praise God!
Unfortunately, I was not able to have surgery until September, due to other issues. Well, it ended up that I had Stage IIIc ovarian cancer, and by the time I had surgery, the mass had grown to be the size of a grapefruit. So it had gone undetected when I had my check-up in February and grown to the size of a grapefruit within 7 months. So there I was at 46 years old, married, with 2 sons and had ovarian cancer - I was sure glad to get all of it out of me and ready to do whatever I needed to do!
Anyway, I went through chemo until March 2003. After that I was cancer free until Nov 2004, when it was detected in one tiny paraaortic lymph node. Had surgery to remove it and thank God it was confined to that area only! Have been on chemo again for a little over a year and am doing well!
I know that you are so very worried, and feel that you may have neglected your own health. I can relate - I delayed my surgery because of my Mom's health. The main thing you have to do now is put yourself first and get to the bottom of all your symptoms. Be persistent with your doctor - looks like you should have some test results by the end of this week, right?
Stay strong - I've been keeping you in my thoughts and prayers! Let us know the outcome of your tests. Take care --- Gina
The basic premise of the Mayo Clinic is to provide consistent, quality care, regardless of the location of the facility. However, as with any clinic or hospital, there are doctors who gain significant reputations in certain fields, and it is often necessary to travel to consult with, or be treated by, that particular doctor.
You should be able to find more information on their websites, or by calling the Clinic.
You should be able to find more information on their websites, or by calling the Clinic.
I am new here. I am in San Diego. What do you know of the Mayo Clinic that is in Arizona? Sure would be closer than the one in MN.I am thinking of a second opinion.
You are such a blessing in this forum! You have educated yourself to better understand all of this and I SO appreciate it! I had 1 cigarette today and I am desperately trying for it to be my last. You know, I took up smoking at the age of 40 (stupid move, I know), after unexpectedly becoming single and trying to deal with being homeless, jobless, etc....a very tough time that I completely recovered from; but nothing compares to possibly not having your health! Thank you again, Mickeyvickie. xoxoxo from Arizona (P.S. I am calling Mayo clinic tomorrow...they have an OVCA special department with state-of-the-art treatment)
Well, different types of ovca have different growth characteristics. Even within a 'type' of ovca, there can be different grades. And there is always the influence of the body's immune system working against it. So, QUIT SMOKING, as one of the greatest side effects of the habit is a lowered immune system response. (Yes, I understand that you are going through a great period of stress and this is a really bad time to give it up, but you must at least try. Even reducing the number of cigarettes that you smoke in a day will help.)
The truth is that there are many factors to consider, and even then, the only way to absolutely determine if an ovarian mass (be it a cyst or a tumor) is malignant is to perform surgery. It is frustrating, but that it just how it is.
I will share with you the comments made to me prior to my surgery in 2004. I was discussing my condition and symptoms with a retired surgical nurse. She had assisted with many gynocological surgeries during her career. She said that her experiences led her to form the conclusion that the rapidly growing masses were usually not malignant. She went on further to state that a very quickly growing mass was usually found to be a dermoid or an endometrioma. As you and I discussed in other posts, your symptoms are very much like mine. My earliest and mildest symptoms began in the spring of that year, and concluded with my surgery at the end of the year.
The truth is that there are many factors to consider, and even then, the only way to absolutely determine if an ovarian mass (be it a cyst or a tumor) is malignant is to perform surgery. It is frustrating, but that it just how it is.
I will share with you the comments made to me prior to my surgery in 2004. I was discussing my condition and symptoms with a retired surgical nurse. She had assisted with many gynocological surgeries during her career. She said that her experiences led her to form the conclusion that the rapidly growing masses were usually not malignant. She went on further to state that a very quickly growing mass was usually found to be a dermoid or an endometrioma. As you and I discussed in other posts, your symptoms are very much like mine. My earliest and mildest symptoms began in the spring of that year, and concluded with my surgery at the end of the year.
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